of K. lacca cultivation has brought economic recovery to impoverished mountain villages and has helped to revegetate deforested hillsides. Demand, while still strong, is shrinking over time, reducing the economic viability of lac growing.

This species is also one of several similar insects used to produce a strong red dye historically used to color wool and silk. The dye originates in the hemolymph of the insect; the fluid analogous to blood.

While K. lacca is the most commonly cultivated species

1.Previous
3.Next